In this episode of the State of Hoops Podcast, hosts Todd Schlekeway and Nate Malchow are joined by reporter Jason Andera from SDPB Sports to discuss the 2025-2026 South Dakota High School Boys Basketball Season.

The conversation previews the landscape of South Dakota high school basketball, focusing on the upcoming Class AA, A, and B boys' seasons. The discussion highlights the excitement surrounding the upcoming season and the potential of various teams and players in each class.

The State of Hoops Podcast – Season 1 Sponsors include the following companies and organizations: South Dakota High School Basketball Hall of Fame • Tiefenthaler Homes with Hegg Real Estate • Park Bench Apparel • Charles Schwab – Sioux Falls (Lonnie Struckman & Zach Hanson, Financial Consultants) • and Insight.

Basketball fans across South Dakota are encouraged to reach out and engage with the podcast via e-mail at stateofhoopspodcast@gmail.com and on the following social media platforms:

*YouTube: @StateofHoopsPodcast

*Instagram: @state_of_hoops_podcast

*X: @StateofHoopsPod

In this episode of the State of Hoops Podcast, hosts Todd Schlekeway and Nate Malchow are joined by sports reporters Jason Andera (SDPB Sports) and Ryan Deal (605 Sports) to discuss the upcoming South Dakota High School Girls Basketball Season. The episode devotes conversation and coverage to key players, teams to watch, and memorable games from past seasons, while also providing insights into the competitive landscape of Class B, A, and AA girls basketball in the Rushmore State. The podcast discussion also highlights the excitement surrounding the season and the talent emerging from South Dakota's girls basketball programs. The State of Hoops Podcast – Season 1 Sponsors include the following companies and organizations: South Dakota High School Basketball Hall of Fame • Tiefenthaler Homes with Hegg Real Estate • Park Bench Apparel • Charles Schwab – Sioux Falls (Lonnie Struckman & Zach Hanson, Financial Consultants) • and Insight. Basketball fans across South Dakota are encouraged to reach out and engage with the podcast via e-mail at stateofhoopspodcast@gmail.com and on the following social media platforms:*YouTube: @StateofHoopsPodcast *Instagram: @state_of_hoops_podcast *X: @StateofHoopsPod

Episode 4 of State of Hoops debuts the podcast’s new Legends Series with an in-depth and personal conversation featuring Jason Sutherland, one of South Dakota’s most electrifying and influential multi-sport athletes. Renowned for his eye-popping athleticism and competitive fire, Sutherland’s legacy in South Dakota basketball, and his broader impact on the state’s sports culture, remains unmatched. This episode takes listeners on a vivid journey through Sutherland’s formative years, from the impactful influence of his father and his childhood in Spearfish, SD, to his standout high school career with the Watertown Arrows. Jason looks back at classic ESD rivalries, unforgettable moments on the hardwood, and the experiences that shaped him into one of the most revered athletes of his era. The conversation also explores his successful collegiate career as a member of the Missouri Tigers, competing on the grand stage of the vaunted Big 8 Conference. The episode features rare archival video footage (courtesy of Ryan Remmers/Arrow TV - Watertown, SD) showcasing Sutherland’s acrobatic highlights, complemented by Jason’s own commentary on the craft, creativity, and adrenaline behind the art of the dunk. But basketball is only part of what makes Sutherland a true legend. Listeners also gain insight into Jason’s multi-sport excellence, including behind-the-scenes stories from his time in track and field and on the football field, further cementing his status as one of South Dakota’s most dynamic all-around athletes. Through it all, Sutherland’s authenticity, humility, and gratitude shine as he reflects on the people, moments, and memories that defined a golden era of South Dakota high school sports. The State of Hoops Podcast – Season 1 Sponsors include the following companies and organizations: South Dakota High School Basketball Hall of Fame • Tiefenthaler Homes with Hegg Real Estate • Park Bench Apparel • Charles Schwab – Sioux Falls (Lonnie Struckman & Zach Hanson, Financial Consultants) • and Insight. Basketball fans across South Dakota are encouraged to reach out and engage with the podcast via e-mail at stateofhoopspodcast@gmail.com and on the following social media platforms:*YouTube: @StateofHoopsPodcast *Instagram: @state_of_hoops_podcast *X: @StateofHoopsPod

College Basketball has tipped off! In this episode of the State of Hoops Podcast, hosts Todd Schlekeway and Nate Malchow sit down with NCAA Division I basketball official Kelly Pfeifer. They explore Kelly's roots in South Dakota, his path to becoming a top-tier referee, and the challenges and rewards of officiating at the highest levels.

Kelly shares insights into the preparation and mindset required for the job, the impact of social media on officiating, and the importance of mentoring the next generation of officials. Tune in for an engaging conversation that highlights the dedication and passion behind the whistle.

As always, the episode closes with the Bleacher Preachers fan engagement segment, Show-Out Shout-Outs, and big thanks to our sponsors who keep the game going.The State of Hoops Podcast Season 1 Sponsors include the ⁠South Dakota High School Basketball Hall of Fame⁠, ⁠Tiefenthaler Homes with Hegg Real Estate,⁠ ⁠Park Bench Apparel,⁠ ⁠Charles Schwab – Sioux Falls (Lonnie Struckman and Zach Hanson Financial Consultants),⁠ and ⁠Insight.⁠ Basketball fans in the state are encouraged to interact with the podcast hosts via e-mail at stateofhoopspodcast@gmail.com and follow, like, subscribe, and engage with the State of Hoops Podcast on the following social media platforms:

*YouTube Channel:@StateofHoopsPodcast

*Instagram: @state_of_hoops_podcast

*X: @StateofHoopsPod

The leaves are falling and the basketballs are bouncing - Episode 2 of the State of Hoops Podcast is here! In this episode, Todd Schlekeway and Nate Malchow talk all things fall hoops -college practices, youth club season prep, and the countdown to the high school season.

This episode also dives into the WNBA Finals coaching showdown between South Dakota's own Becky Hammon and Nate Tibbetts. The guys share their personal ties and stories to the two prominent coaches, and what this matchup means for the state's basketball legacy.

We also hit the “Give and Go” segment, where we tackle the growing conversation around how club volleyball is impacting girls’ basketball participation across South Dakota. Chow brings a unique, personal perspective you won’t want to miss.

The episode also includes breaking news on a reveal of one of South Dakota's most iconic basketball players/athletes announced as the first guest on an upcoming State of Hoops Podcast Legends Series episode (hint: this player could fly).

As always, we close with the Bleacher Preacher fan engagement question, Show-Out Shout-Outs, and big thanks to our sponsors who keep the game going.

The State of Hoops Podcast Season 1 Sponsors include the ⁠South Dakota High School Basketball Hall of Fame⁠, ⁠Tiefenthaler Homes with Hegg Real Estate,⁠ ⁠Park Bench Apparel,⁠ ⁠Charles Schwab – Sioux Falls (Lonnie Struckman and Zach Hanson Financial Consultants),⁠ and ⁠Insight.⁠

Basketball fans in the state are encouraged to interact with the podcast hosts via e-mail at stateofhoopspodcast@gmail.com and follow, like, subscribe, and engage with the State of Hoops Podcast on the following social media platforms: *YouTube Channel:@StateofHoopsPodcast *Instagram: @state_of_hoops_podcast *X: @StateofHoopsPod

In the debut episode of the State of Hoops: A South Dakota Basketball Podcast, co-hosts Todd Schlekeway and Nate Malchow share their passion for South Dakota basketball, reflecting on their personal experiences and the impact the sport has had on their friendship. They discuss their early memories of attending the Northern State University Future Stars Basketball Camps, their time as teammates playing AAU Basketball for Team South Dakota, the state's prominent position nationally when it comes to hoops, and the significance of South Dakota coaches and educators in shaping young athletes.

The episode also introduces South Dakota's passionate hoops community to various podcast segments, such as "Chalk Talk", "Give and Go", "Show-Out Shout-Out", and "Bleacher Preachers", that are aimed at engaging listeners and celebrating the rich history of basketball in South Dakota, while acknowledging the contributions of the players, coaches, administrators, officials, media personalities, and fans who make it special.

The State of Hoops Podcast Season 1 Sponsors include the South Dakota High School Basketball Hall of Fame, Tiefenthaler Homes with Hegg Real Estate, Park Bench Apparel, Charles Schwab – Sioux Falls (Lonnie Struckman and Zach Hanson Financial Consultants), and Insight.

Basketball fans in the state are encouraged to interact with the podcast hosts via e-mail at stateofhoopspodcast@gmail.com and follow, like, subscribe, and engage with the State of Hoops Podcast on the following social media platforms:

• YouTube Channel:@StateofHoopsPodcast

• Instagram: @state_of_hoops_podcast

• X: @StateofHoopsPod

In this short pre-launch episode of the State of Hoops podcast, co-host Todd Schlekeway reveals the five sponsors for the inaugural season, highlighting their contributions to the South Dakota basketball community. The sponsors include the South Dakota High School Basketball Hall of Fame, Tiefenthaler Homes with Hegg Real Estate, Park Bench Apparel, Charles Schwab – Sioux Falls (Lonnie Struckman and Zach Hanson Financial Consultants), and Insight.

The episode emphasizes the importance of basketball fan engagement and invites listeners to subscribe and participate in season 1 of the State of Hoops: A South Dakota Basketball Podcast.

State of Hoops Podcast Co-Host Nate Malchow talks about the legacy of his coaching mentor, the legendary Fred Tibbetts, and the birth of the Sioux Falls Roosevelt High School Girls Basketball dynasty. State of Hoops: A South Dakota Basketball Podcast…:::launching October 1, 2025! Follow the State of Hoops on Instagram, X, and subscribe to the State of Hoops Podcast’s official YouTube Channel today!